Houllier planning long-term changes

21 September 2010 04:27

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New Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier is intent on making changes at Villa Park, but accepts that it will take time to implement his plans.
Houllier takes charge of Villa for the first time when they take on Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday evening, having signed a three-year deal as Martin O'Neill's successor.
The Frenchman told reporters: "In the short term I need to know the players more and they need to get used to the different types of training - more continental in terms of tactics and a variety of drills.
"It will take time to implement and be accepted. You come with philosophies and beliefs and need to convince the players to do them.
"Will we be playing in a different way? Obviously it won't be done overnight. You can't change habits in the middle of a competition, it has got to be gradual.
"The first mission is to get results, the second is to be entertaining. At the top level you need entertainment for TV and the fans. That will take some time.
"But the players are eager to improve and everyone can progress provided the right environment and motivation is there.
"We have to improve in a few areas and the players know that."